BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The WMU Foundation board of trustees recently awarded $163,445 to boost missions work in North America and around the world.

Sylvia DeLoach (left) of Richardson, chair of the WMU Foundation, presents Wanda Lee, executive director/treasurer of national Woman’s Missionary Union, funds to support the national missions organization.

Of the total amount, $75,000 was awarded from the Vision Fund to support the ministries of national Woman’s Missionary Union, and $50,000 was awarded from the Joy Fund to support the operational needs of the national missions organization.

“We are so appreciative of our partnership with the WMU Foundation and the support they provide to WMU,” said WMU Executive Director-Treasurer Wanda Lee.

“We continue to be faithful to the mission to which God has called us, and the advancement of WMU continues thanks to faithful members and donors who recognize the immense value of missions education and involvement for all ages in the church.”

Sylvia DeLoach of Richardson, chair of the WMU Foundation, said that despite a challenging economy, God continues to provide through the sacrificial giving of missional people across the country.

“We are grateful that God continues to bless us as we seek to follow him and fulfill his purpose in our lives,” she said. “It’s such an encouragement to national WMU staff members and leadership, as well as the WMU Foundation, to know that so many churches and individuals are standing with them and praying for them. The more we all continue to give, the more we are able to make a world of difference.”

An additional $38,445 was awarded in grants, scholarships to MKs, and other awards, including two grants from the Lillian Isaacs Endowment to support literacy missions. This year marks the 50th anniversary of literacy missions begun by former home missionary Lillian Isaacs, who served as a pioneer in that field for many years. Recipients of funds from this endowment to support their literacy missions efforts are First Baptist Church, Machesney Park, Ill., and a Christian Women’s Job Corps site in north Houston.

Julie Walters is the communications specialist for the Woman’s Missionary Union.